In yesterday’s election, numerous marijuana-related proposals were considered on the state and local level: Here’s a breakdown of how each of these proposal faired.
Although November 5 was not a great day for cannabis law reform, with all three recreational marijuana legalization measures being denied by voters, there were some bright spots. With that said, below is a breakdown of the 2024 election.
State Proposals
Florida Amendment 3 – REJECTED
Amendment 3 to legalize recreational marijuana for those 21 and older, including legalizing licensed marijuana retail outlets, received the vote of a strong majority of voters, 5.8 million to 4.7 million. However, given it was a constitutional amendment, it required 60% to be passed into law. As such, it has been rejected by voters.
For the full text of Amendment 3, click here.
Nebraska Initiatives 437 and 438 – APPROVED
Nebraska voters have approved both the Nebraska Medical Cannabis Patient Protection Act (Initiative 437) and the Nebraska Medical Cannabis Regulation Act (Initiative 438), both with around 70% support.
The Nebraska Medical Cannabis Patient Protection Act provides legal safeguards for patients, allowing them to possess up to five ounces of marijuana for medical use. The measure also provides legal protections for healthcare providers who recommend medical marijuana.
The Nebraska Medical Cannabis Regulation Act will establish the Nebraska Medical Cannabis Commission to oversee a legal medical marijuana industry, including a licensed and regulated system of dispensaries that can provide patients with marijuana and a variety of marijuana products including concentrates and edibles.
North Dakota Measure 5 – REJECTED
With around 47% in support, Measure 5 has been rejected by voters. The proposal would have allowed for the possession of up to one ounce of cannabis, four grams of concentrate, and 300 milligrams of edibles for those 21 and older.
Oregon Measure 119 – APPROVED
Measure 119, known as the United for Cannabis Workers Act, was passed with around 55% support. Proposed by United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 555, this measure aims to guarantee cannabis industry workers the right to organize and bargain collectively. Although joining a union would be optional, this proposal would provide legal protections for those choosing to join one. T
Measure 119 was the first of its kind in the US.
South Dakota Measure 29 – REJECTED
South Dakota voters for the second straight election have rejected legalization, denying Measure 29’s passage with 45% in support and 55% opposed.
Local Proposals
Dallas, Texas – APPROVED
A marijuana decriminalization ordinance, put forth by Ground Game Texas, passed with around 2/3rds support. The proposal makes it so that law enforcement would issue a citation, similar to a traffic ticket, for the possession of up to four ounces of marijuana rather than making an arrest or issuing a misdemeanor charge.
Lockhart, Texas – APPROVED
In Lockhart, a city of approximately 15,000 residents, voters approved the same proposal as Dallas: A measure decriminalizing up to four ounces of marijuana, as well as marijuana paraphernalia.
Bastrop, Texas – APPROVED
As with Dallas and Lockhart, Bastrop approved decriminalizing marijuana.
Over 100 Kentucky Cities and Counties – APPROVED
Over 100 cities and counties in Kentucky voted yesterday on ordinances to allow medical marijuana dispensaries. Every single one was approved by voters, most with around 70% support. For a full list, click here.
